The Copper Content Leaf Mark – What Is It?
Have you seen the leaf mark on the side of PowerStop brake pad boxes? If you look on the side of the PowerStop brake pad box, there’s a small leaf symbol guaranteeing the brake pads within the box comply – at the specified level – with copper-free legislation in California and Washington. They’re called leaf marks. In 2010, these states enacted legislation for regulating materials or products sold that are found harmful to fish and other wildlife. Materials like copper, nickel, zinc, asbestiform fibers, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead are now regulated by a third-party lab, NSF International. Over time, this regulation will become more restrictive.
There are three levels that describe the acceptable level of these materials within the brake pads approved by NSF (from most to least restrictive: N, B, and A.)
Level A is currently required and was instituted in 2014 for California and 2015 for Washington. It requires asbestiform fibers at less than 0.1%. Level B requirements were enacted in 2021, demanding less than 5% copper in products sold. Finally, Level N will require less than 0.5% copper; it will be required in California by 2025.
PowerStop displays the leaf mark symbol on the side of our brake pad box to guarantee the product you are buying will comply with the law. Retailers who distribute brake pads in these states without a leaf mark can be fined up to $10,000 per occurrence.
What Is Low-Copper Compliance?
Copper was commonly used to make ceramic friction materials for years because it is a good conductor of heat. It can help to cool brake pads and stabilize friction for more consistent braking and reduced fade. It can also help reduce noise.
However, it has been found that even small amounts of copper can enter streams, rivers, and other water environments and harm aquatic life. To protect the environment and prevent contamination, copper and other hazardous materials are being phased out of replacement and OEM brake pads.
The leaf mark was adopted by the Brake Manufacturers Council to inform consumers whether brake pads meet the Better Brake standards. The darker the leaf, the more levels of compliance the pad meets.
Certain states, like California and Washington, have required products that may be deemed harmful to fish or wildlife to carry the copper content leaf mark for years. Eventually, all of the old high-copper products on store shelves will be replaced by new low-copper and zero-copper products.
A Commitment to Driver Safety and Environmental Protection
PowerStop is committed to making products that are safe for everyone, as well as protecting the well-being of our natural resources.
Materials that have been identified as harmful to fish and wildlife include:
- Copper
- Nickel
- Zinc
- Asbestiform Fibers
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Mercury
- Lead
There are three levels of compliance: Level N, Level B, and Level A. These levels indicate the acceptance of the materials within brake pads approved by NSF, the third-party that regulates these materials:
- One leaf mark: This means that the brakes may contain any level of copper, but asbestos and other heavy metals are all less than 0.1 percent.
- Two leaf marks: This indicates that the brakes contain no more than 5 percent copper by weight.
- Three leaf marks: This signifies that the product is fully compliant with the 2025 rules that allow no more than 0.5 percent copper.
One Leaf Mark – Level A Restrictions
Level A signifies compliance with requirements involving asbestos, mercury, lead, chromium, and cadmium. Level A restrictions are as follows:
- Asbestiform fibers, less than 0.1% by weight
- Cadmium and its compounds, less than 0.01% by weight
- Chromium (VI) – Salt, less than 0.1% by weight
- Lead and its compounds, less than 0.1% by weight
- Mercury and its compounds, less than 0.1% by weight
Two Leaf Marks – Level B Restrictions
Level B signifies compliance with all of the Level A metals in addition to copper, which must be reduced to less than 5 percent of material content by weight. Level B restrictions are as follows:
- Material contains between 0.5% and 5% of copper by weight
- Asbestiform fibers, less than 0.1% by weight
- Cadmium and its compounds, less than 0.01% by weight
- Chromium (VI)- Salt, less than 0.1% by weight
- Lead and its compounds, less than 0.1% by weight
- Mercury and its compounds, less than 0.1% by weight
Three Leaf Marks – Level N Restrictions
Level N signifies compliance with the “Zero-Copper” requirement (less than 0.5% of total material content by weight), which will take effect in 2025. Level N restrictions are as follows:
- Material contains less than 0.5% copper by weight
- Asbestiform fibers, less than 0.1% by weight
- Cadmium and its compounds, less than 0.01% by weight
- Chromium (VI)- Salt, less than 0.1% by weight
- Lead and its compounds, less than 0.1% by weight
- Mercury and its compounds, less than 0.1% by weight
PowerStop displays the leaf mark symbol on the side of brake pad boxes to guarantee the product you are buying will comply with the law.
Have a Question? PowerStop Can Help
PowerStop is dedicated to delivering top-quality performance brakes for every vehicle on the road. If you have a question about any of our products, contact us today online or toll-free at (888) 863-4415. Our customer service team is available to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST). Se habla español.